MRSA or methicillin resistant staphylococcus infection and herbs!
Okay so here we go! I will try and delve through the mess of what I would say the deal with MRSA is.
So we know a few things about MRSA
1- its either partially or completely resistant to antibiotics
2- MRSA lives in your nose all the time!
3- MRSA is a huge problem in hospitals
Some believe they have MRSA when in fact they have an autoimmune disease called Hidradenitis suppurativa which can carry MRSA in the sores.
From WikiPedia
S. aureus most commonly colonizes the anterior nares (the nostrils).
The rest of the respiratory tract, open wounds, intravenous catheters,
and the urinary tract are also potential sites for infection. Healthy
individuals may carry MRSA asymptomatically for periods ranging from a
few weeks to many years.
Okay so we have a disease here and
its affecting your body in all the weird ways and you need some relief!
Keep in mind before pharmaceutical antibiotics, staph infections were
effectively treated both internally and topically using
anti-inflammatory, 'heat clearing' herbs.
Lets look at some of these herbs that were used...
Oregano! Oregano is undergoing ongoing studies of how it reacts to MRSA. The studies are very favorable at this time!
How to make oregano oil:
If you have some fresh oregano on hand, you can make your own oil of
oregano. You will need a 1:1 ratio of oregano to oil, or you can use
more oregano to make a stronger batch. I use 1/2 a cup oregano and 1/2 a
cup olive oil (extra virgin).
1. Wash and dry your oregano.
2. Place the oregano leaves in a plastic ziplock bag (don’t close) and cover the bag with a kitchen towel.
3. Pound on the bag with a meat mallet or something similar. This will release the oils.
4. Heat the olive oil until warm. Do not boil.
5. Add the oil in to the bag with the oregano and squeeze the mixture for a minute or two.
6. Now pour the mixture into a clean class jar and place somewhere cool and dry for 2 weeks.
7. After 2 weeks, strain the oregano from the oil.
How to take oregano oil
The adult dose of 4-6 drops of 100% pure essential oil of oregano
diluted with approximately three parts olive oil can be taken by mouth
and applied locally about 10 times daily. Children may take less
according to age, 1 to 3 drops mixed with milk or juice.
The course of treatment should not exceed 10 days total.
If taken undiluted, oregano essential oil may cause minor gastric
discomfort. Otherwise, if it is mixed with a carrier oil, it poses no
problem.
Try to use more herbs in your cooking like Thyme, Oregano, Garlic All of these herbs are more than just taste!
Echinacea has yet to be decided on for fighting MRSA but it is great at
immune support so a tincture or nourishing infusion may be something to
look at!
Lastly... lol I love to pound the line of
correctness here but for those of you suffering in legal states there is
a lot of supporting evidence that Marijuana could help people with
MRSA.
Don't fire one up just yet though! In the study,
published in the Journal of Natural Products, researchers call for
further study of the antibacterial uses of marijuana. There are
"currently considerable challenges with the treatment of infections
caused by strains of clinically relevant bacteria that show multi-drug
resistance," the researchers wrote.
So! While you have been on
every cillian flox and blox western medicine has offered you may want
to ask you doctor if Oregano oil or Echinacea could help you.
This is for informational purposes only. Nothing is FDA APPROVED. Talk to your doctor before you begin any herbal remedy.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Lemon Goat Milk DIY mask!
Lemon Goat Milk DIY mask!
Here’s how it works: Both milk and lemon contain natural alpha hydroxy acids, but they also work in tandem – over a few hours – to really enhance the AHA content. The lemon juice curdles the milk, which causes the bacteria in the milk to go crazy producing lactic acid (the alpha hydroxy acid in question). After a while, you have a super charged AHA mask that costs pennies – literally.
1-1/2 Tbsp goat milk
1-2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 small wedge of sliced lemon
Small bowl
In your small bowl, combine the lemon juice and milk. Stir well, and dunk in the lemon wedge. Leave this on the counter (do NOT put this in the refrigerator, or you stop the bacterial process that you want). It will curdle and look funny; this is good. After 3-4 hours, spread it on your clean face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well.
(Note: Be careful for a few hours if you’re going out in the sun after this mask, as it will cause photosensitivity.)
Here’s how it works: Both milk and lemon contain natural alpha hydroxy acids, but they also work in tandem – over a few hours – to really enhance the AHA content. The lemon juice curdles the milk, which causes the bacteria in the milk to go crazy producing lactic acid (the alpha hydroxy acid in question). After a while, you have a super charged AHA mask that costs pennies – literally.
1-1/2 Tbsp goat milk
1-2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 small wedge of sliced lemon
Small bowl
In your small bowl, combine the lemon juice and milk. Stir well, and dunk in the lemon wedge. Leave this on the counter (do NOT put this in the refrigerator, or you stop the bacterial process that you want). It will curdle and look funny; this is good. After 3-4 hours, spread it on your clean face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well.
(Note: Be careful for a few hours if you’re going out in the sun after this mask, as it will cause photosensitivity.)
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Tuesday's Tip 3/12/13
Whiten Your Teeth With Activated Charcoal!
Here’s how you do the activated charcoal tooth whitening:
Brush or clean your teeth as normal.
Mix together a scant 1/2 tsp activated charcoal powder with about 1/2-1 Tbsp water (exact measurements are not necessary, but I do recommend mixing it with the water first, or else you might accidentally inhale some activated charcoal powder and cough for a while).
Swish it around in your mouth for 15-30 seconds.
Hold it in front of your front teeth for 3-5 minutes.
Rinse your mouth – very well. You’ll see why.
You can find activated charcoal capsules just about anywhere these days. Your local natural foods store, many grocery stores, and even Walgreen’s.
Here’s how you do the activated charcoal tooth whitening:
Brush or clean your teeth as normal.
Mix together a scant 1/2 tsp activated charcoal powder with about 1/2-1 Tbsp water (exact measurements are not necessary, but I do recommend mixing it with the water first, or else you might accidentally inhale some activated charcoal powder and cough for a while).
Swish it around in your mouth for 15-30 seconds.
Hold it in front of your front teeth for 3-5 minutes.
Rinse your mouth – very well. You’ll see why.
You can find activated charcoal capsules just about anywhere these days. Your local natural foods store, many grocery stores, and even Walgreen’s.
Weight Loss and Herbs
Weight loss is usually everyone's main goal
for after the holidays! So I wanted to jump start this years weekly
herbal tidbit with an herb that might help you attain your goal!
Garcinia Fruit
Also known as Garcinia cambogia, Malabar tamarind, Brindal Berry, Gambooge, and Vrikshamla.
Introduction
Garcinia fruit is indigenous to India and parts of Asia, where it is primarily used as a condiment and ingredient in various recipes. It has been used for thousands of years for the distinct sour taste that it lends to foods, and is considered to make the foods it is added to more filling and satisfying. Indian folklore ascribes healing properties to the fruit, including its help with rheumatism, digestive complaints, and as part of a heart tonic. It has become popular recently as an appetite suppressant and aid in weight loss. This fruit is a rich source of hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Test tube and animal research suggests that HCA may be helpful in weight loss because of its effects on metabolism.
Constituents
Very small amounts of essential oil containing about 50% carvone.
Parts Used
The dried fruit, whole or cut.
Typical Preparations
Over-the-counter weight loss supplements for weight control usually offer HCA in dosages of 250 to 1,000 mg 3 times daily. HCA is available in many forms, including capsules, powders, tablets, and even snack bars. Products are often labeled Garcinia cambogia and standardized to contain a fixed percentage of HCA. Why use the whole fruit? What garcinia fruit offers that HCA supplements do not is potassium. The HCA in supplements is bound to calcium and is poorly absorbed. The HCA in the whole fruit is coupled with potassium and is readily absorbed into the bloodstream for maximum effectiveness. May be infused in tea although quite distasteful and may be taken as a capsule or extract.
Summary
Clinical trials have found that taking HCA helps women lose weight. Even when scientists couldn't conclusively confirm that weight loss was due to taking HCA rather than due to something else, the average weight loss was a pound a week. In all but one case, weight loss was greater with HCA even when the results didn't produce a statistical certainty. Add some other weight-loss ingredients and your chances of losing weight are even better. The secret to using HCA as a weight-loss supplement is simple: Eat normally. In particular, don't stoke up on high-fiber foods. When scientists have studied overweight people using HCA products in clinical settings, the supplement takes off the pounds if it's simply added to the regular diet. HCA doesn?t help reduce weight if it's taken in addition to a high-fiber diet. HCA doesn't just help melt away the pounds. HCA has been shown in animal experiments to suppress both appetite and the formation of fats and cholesterol in the liver. In addition it results in an increase in LDL receptor activity in liver cells that can pull LDL cholesterol out of circulation. HCA doesn't produce any strong aversions to food just enough loss of appetite to make losing pounds easier.
Precautions
Clinical studies confirm that HCA is safe for the heart. Consult your physician, however, before using garcinia fruit for weight loss if you take statin drugs for cholesterol. Not to be used while pregnant or nursing. Should not be taken by those with diabetes or Alzheimer's disease as it may negatively effect blood sugar levels.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Garcinia Fruit
Also known as Garcinia cambogia, Malabar tamarind, Brindal Berry, Gambooge, and Vrikshamla.
Introduction
Garcinia fruit is indigenous to India and parts of Asia, where it is primarily used as a condiment and ingredient in various recipes. It has been used for thousands of years for the distinct sour taste that it lends to foods, and is considered to make the foods it is added to more filling and satisfying. Indian folklore ascribes healing properties to the fruit, including its help with rheumatism, digestive complaints, and as part of a heart tonic. It has become popular recently as an appetite suppressant and aid in weight loss. This fruit is a rich source of hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Test tube and animal research suggests that HCA may be helpful in weight loss because of its effects on metabolism.
Constituents
Very small amounts of essential oil containing about 50% carvone.
Parts Used
The dried fruit, whole or cut.
Typical Preparations
Over-the-counter weight loss supplements for weight control usually offer HCA in dosages of 250 to 1,000 mg 3 times daily. HCA is available in many forms, including capsules, powders, tablets, and even snack bars. Products are often labeled Garcinia cambogia and standardized to contain a fixed percentage of HCA. Why use the whole fruit? What garcinia fruit offers that HCA supplements do not is potassium. The HCA in supplements is bound to calcium and is poorly absorbed. The HCA in the whole fruit is coupled with potassium and is readily absorbed into the bloodstream for maximum effectiveness. May be infused in tea although quite distasteful and may be taken as a capsule or extract.
Summary
Clinical trials have found that taking HCA helps women lose weight. Even when scientists couldn't conclusively confirm that weight loss was due to taking HCA rather than due to something else, the average weight loss was a pound a week. In all but one case, weight loss was greater with HCA even when the results didn't produce a statistical certainty. Add some other weight-loss ingredients and your chances of losing weight are even better. The secret to using HCA as a weight-loss supplement is simple: Eat normally. In particular, don't stoke up on high-fiber foods. When scientists have studied overweight people using HCA products in clinical settings, the supplement takes off the pounds if it's simply added to the regular diet. HCA doesn?t help reduce weight if it's taken in addition to a high-fiber diet. HCA doesn't just help melt away the pounds. HCA has been shown in animal experiments to suppress both appetite and the formation of fats and cholesterol in the liver. In addition it results in an increase in LDL receptor activity in liver cells that can pull LDL cholesterol out of circulation. HCA doesn't produce any strong aversions to food just enough loss of appetite to make losing pounds easier.
Precautions
Clinical studies confirm that HCA is safe for the heart. Consult your physician, however, before using garcinia fruit for weight loss if you take statin drugs for cholesterol. Not to be used while pregnant or nursing. Should not be taken by those with diabetes or Alzheimer's disease as it may negatively effect blood sugar levels.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Tuesdays Tip
Tea Tree Oil Win!
Cold and flu viruses can survive for up to 3 days on surfaces such as telephones, desktops, photocopiers, printers and other high-touch surfaces.
Germs transmitted from a sneeze or cough can travel up to 3 feet. When they land on surfaces such as keyboards and telephones, they infect for up to 3 days.
How to kill airborne germs with Tea Tree Oil!
Take a napkin and put about 60 drops of Tea Tree Essential oil on the napkin. Place it in front of your air vent (can be added directly to the air vent as well) let it circulate throughout the home!
They do this on offshore oil rigs too!
Cold and flu viruses can survive for up to 3 days on surfaces such as telephones, desktops, photocopiers, printers and other high-touch surfaces.
Germs transmitted from a sneeze or cough can travel up to 3 feet. When they land on surfaces such as keyboards and telephones, they infect for up to 3 days.
How to kill airborne germs with Tea Tree Oil!
Take a napkin and put about 60 drops of Tea Tree Essential oil on the napkin. Place it in front of your air vent (can be added directly to the air vent as well) let it circulate throughout the home!
They do this on offshore oil rigs too!
Weekly Herbal Tidbit Thyme!
Weekly Herbal Tidbit!
Thyme herb is packed with numerous health benefiting phyto-nutrients (plant derived compounds), minerals and vitamins that are essential for wellness. One of the popular among culinary herb plants, thyme originally is native to southern Europe and Mediterranean regions.
Botanically, it belongs to the family of Limiaceae of the genus of thymus, which includes many subspecies among which the most popular variety is Thymus vulgaris or French thyme.
The thyme plant is a perennial shrub with thin woody base, and square stems. It reaches about 15 to 30 cm in length, featuring very small, light green colored, paler underneath, slightly curved aromatic leaves. Tiny, fragrant rich, lilac or white color flowers appear in summer.
The other commonly grown varieties of thyme are lemon thyme (T.x citriodora), caraway thyme (T. herba barona) and wild thyme (T. septyllum). Either leaves as well as flowering tips, fresh or dried used for culinary purposes.
Health benefits of thyme herb
Thyme contains many active principles that are found to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.
Thyme herb contains thymol, one of the important essential oils, which scientifically has been found to have antiseptic, anti-fungal characteristics. The other volatile oils in thyme include carvacolo, borneol and geraniol.
Thyme contains many flavonoid phenolic antioxidants like zea-xanthin, lutein, pigenin, naringenin, luteolin, and thymonin. Fresh thyme herb has one of the highest antioxidant levels among herbs, a total ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of 27426-µmol TE/100 g.
Thyme is packed with minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Its leaves are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is required for red blood cell formation.
The herb is also a rich source of many important vitamins such as B-complex vitamins, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C and folic acid.
Thyme provides 0.35 mg of vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine; furnishing about 27% of daily recommended intake. Pyridoxine keeps up GABA (beneficial neurotransmitter in the brain) levels in the brain, which has stress buster function.
Vitamin C helps the human body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that is required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in flavonoids like vitamin A and beta-carotene helps protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Thyme leaves offer significant levels of quality phyto-nutrients profile. Just 100 g of fresh leaves provides (% of Recommended daily allowance)
38% of dietary fiber,
27% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
266% of vitamin C,
158% of vitamin A,
218% of iron,
40% of calcium,
40% of magnesium and
75% of manganese
Both fresh and dried forms of thyme herb are available in the herb store. Buy fresh thyme whenever possible since it is superior in nutrients and rich in flavor. The leaves of fresh thyme should feature fresh and be a light green, and free from any dark spots or yellowing.
Fresh thyme should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. Dried thyme can be kept in a tightly sealed glass container and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place where it will keep fresh for up to six months.
Medicinal uses
Thyme contains many important essential oils, which are found to have anti-septic and anti-fungal applications.
Throat gargling with tepid thyme water or drinking few sips of thyme tea may help relieve coughs, sore throat, and bronchitis symptoms.
In the pharmacy, thyme based formulations has been used as an anti-septic mouthwash in the treatment of caries and gingivitis.
Thyme herb is packed with numerous health benefiting phyto-nutrients (plant derived compounds), minerals and vitamins that are essential for wellness. One of the popular among culinary herb plants, thyme originally is native to southern Europe and Mediterranean regions.
Botanically, it belongs to the family of Limiaceae of the genus of thymus, which includes many subspecies among which the most popular variety is Thymus vulgaris or French thyme.
The thyme plant is a perennial shrub with thin woody base, and square stems. It reaches about 15 to 30 cm in length, featuring very small, light green colored, paler underneath, slightly curved aromatic leaves. Tiny, fragrant rich, lilac or white color flowers appear in summer.
The other commonly grown varieties of thyme are lemon thyme (T.x citriodora), caraway thyme (T. herba barona) and wild thyme (T. septyllum). Either leaves as well as flowering tips, fresh or dried used for culinary purposes.
Health benefits of thyme herb
Thyme contains many active principles that are found to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.
Thyme herb contains thymol, one of the important essential oils, which scientifically has been found to have antiseptic, anti-fungal characteristics. The other volatile oils in thyme include carvacolo, borneol and geraniol.
Thyme contains many flavonoid phenolic antioxidants like zea-xanthin, lutein, pigenin, naringenin, luteolin, and thymonin. Fresh thyme herb has one of the highest antioxidant levels among herbs, a total ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of 27426-µmol TE/100 g.
Thyme is packed with minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Its leaves are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is required for red blood cell formation.
The herb is also a rich source of many important vitamins such as B-complex vitamins, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C and folic acid.
Thyme provides 0.35 mg of vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine; furnishing about 27% of daily recommended intake. Pyridoxine keeps up GABA (beneficial neurotransmitter in the brain) levels in the brain, which has stress buster function.
Vitamin C helps the human body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that is required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in flavonoids like vitamin A and beta-carotene helps protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Thyme leaves offer significant levels of quality phyto-nutrients profile. Just 100 g of fresh leaves provides (% of Recommended daily allowance)
38% of dietary fiber,
27% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
266% of vitamin C,
158% of vitamin A,
218% of iron,
40% of calcium,
40% of magnesium and
75% of manganese
Both fresh and dried forms of thyme herb are available in the herb store. Buy fresh thyme whenever possible since it is superior in nutrients and rich in flavor. The leaves of fresh thyme should feature fresh and be a light green, and free from any dark spots or yellowing.
Fresh thyme should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. Dried thyme can be kept in a tightly sealed glass container and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place where it will keep fresh for up to six months.
Medicinal uses
Thyme contains many important essential oils, which are found to have anti-septic and anti-fungal applications.
Throat gargling with tepid thyme water or drinking few sips of thyme tea may help relieve coughs, sore throat, and bronchitis symptoms.
In the pharmacy, thyme based formulations has been used as an anti-septic mouthwash in the treatment of caries and gingivitis.
Fighting the Flu
To help fight the flu!
Garlic tea immune enhancer
A well-known immune system strengthener, garlic shines as an antibacterial and antiviral herb for fighting colds, coughs and the flu. One of the best ways to take advantage of garlic's healing properties is by drinking fresh garlic tea. Sweetened with a little raw honey, it's delicious and helps to heal what ails you. Peel 2 to 3 cloves of fresh garlic and lightly crush them with the side of a wide knife blade. Add them to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for another 15 minutes. Strain the garlic and allow the tea to cool to mouth temperature. Add raw honey, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Drink as much as desired.
Red onion and raw honey cough syrup
A wonderful home remedy for adults or kids suffering from a cough uses brown cane sugar, raw honey or stevia and red onions to make a soothing and tasty cough syrup. Wash, peel and slice the entire onion horizontally. Starting with the base of the onion, layer the slices in a bowl alternating with layers of raw honey or brown sugar. Stevia powder works well for this home remedy too; however, it is extremely sweet. Continue adding layers of onion and sweetener until the entire onion is reconstructed in the bowl. Cover and allow the sweetened onion to remain in the bowl on your counter for about 12-15 hours or overnight. The next day, there will be about a cup or more of sweet syrup in the bowl. The cough syrup contains a range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the onion and the honey to help fight infection and soothe sore throats and quiet a cough. Take a spoonful as needed. Has no onion-y taste.
Garlic tea immune enhancer
A well-known immune system strengthener, garlic shines as an antibacterial and antiviral herb for fighting colds, coughs and the flu. One of the best ways to take advantage of garlic's healing properties is by drinking fresh garlic tea. Sweetened with a little raw honey, it's delicious and helps to heal what ails you. Peel 2 to 3 cloves of fresh garlic and lightly crush them with the side of a wide knife blade. Add them to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for another 15 minutes. Strain the garlic and allow the tea to cool to mouth temperature. Add raw honey, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Drink as much as desired.
Red onion and raw honey cough syrup
A wonderful home remedy for adults or kids suffering from a cough uses brown cane sugar, raw honey or stevia and red onions to make a soothing and tasty cough syrup. Wash, peel and slice the entire onion horizontally. Starting with the base of the onion, layer the slices in a bowl alternating with layers of raw honey or brown sugar. Stevia powder works well for this home remedy too; however, it is extremely sweet. Continue adding layers of onion and sweetener until the entire onion is reconstructed in the bowl. Cover and allow the sweetened onion to remain in the bowl on your counter for about 12-15 hours or overnight. The next day, there will be about a cup or more of sweet syrup in the bowl. The cough syrup contains a range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the onion and the honey to help fight infection and soothe sore throats and quiet a cough. Take a spoonful as needed. Has no onion-y taste.
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